Coast Guard, SFD response for paddleboarder who turns out to be ‘just reading a book’

Someone called 911 a short time ago about a paddleboarder possibly in trouble more than a quarter-mile out in the bay, as seen from 54th/Alki. According to SFD, which sent one engine and a fireboat, a U.S. Coast Guard vessel just made contact with the paddleboarder, who was reported to be “fine … just reading a book,” they told dispatch.

20 Replies to "Coast Guard, SFD response for paddleboarder who turns out to be 'just reading a book'"

  • Jeepney September 9, 2024 (7:09 pm)

    Why is this even posted?

    • WSB September 9, 2024 (8:19 pm)

      Perhaps the headline was a bit short. Coast Guard/SFD response offshore tends to leave people wondering why. Have added the response to the headline.

    • Pete September 9, 2024 (8:50 pm)

      It made me smile

    • KM September 9, 2024 (8:52 pm)

      Because it’s awesome. 

  • Alki resident September 9, 2024 (7:31 pm)

    I’m dying to know what he was reading. I need an update. 

    • Lucy September 9, 2024 (8:57 pm)

      Moby Dick. 

      • Alki resident September 9, 2024 (9:23 pm)

        lol I’m always watching for sea life to show up to a paddle boarder . 

    • SlimJim September 10, 2024 (9:03 am)

      The Old Man and The Sea.

  • Karen September 9, 2024 (7:51 pm)

    Can we start a GoFundMe to buy this “someone” a pair of binoculars?

  • Anywhere but here September 9, 2024 (8:51 pm)

    It’s impossible to find any peace and quiet these days. 

  • WSCurmudgeon September 9, 2024 (9:07 pm)

    It amazes me how often apparently  well meaning people on the shores of West Seattle conclude that a person in (or on) the water is in trouble.   

    • Nitro September 10, 2024 (7:05 am)

      I get what you’re saying, but I’d way rather people being concerned enough to call than someone NOT calling in because they are worried they could be wrong. When that happens, it likely could be a situation where help is actually needed. I’m glad my neighbors keep an eye on the waters and hope the person who reported it isn’t afraid to call in again if they see something they are concerned with. 

  • Marina September 9, 2024 (9:11 pm)

    Every time I am on my paddleboard reading a book, I’m always scared someone’s gonna do this!  But at least I have an anchor connected to my paddleboard so I don’t float away, and I guess it’s nice that people are paying attention!  at least i don’t go by Alki! 😂

  • Michael D September 10, 2024 (1:30 am)

    I found this story to be refreshing! When I saw the citizen app post I immediately thought about the constant life threatening cold water conditions of Pudget Sound. Fearing the worst possible scenario for this recreational activity. When I didn’t see an update on citizen I began to become more concerned. Then I said to myself let’s check the Blog. I was immediately relieved! Not only was the person on, turns out they were simply enjoying the calm weather conditions and reading a book 😀 I of course began to laugh at this story with joy 🤩 I also am thankful for all first responders for taking this seriously. Better to be safe than sorry. This is their duty and I’m grateful for their service. Overall, with all the issues our wonderful community has dealt with in recent times. I was elated to read this story. We need more love ❤️ in this world and yes this story made me laugh 🤣 as well. We need more of this too!Y’all be safe out there now and look out for our hood! Love and blessings to all 😊

  • Meeee September 10, 2024 (7:42 am)

    Jeepney: because WSB is an awesome resource for the community and there is community interest in stories like this.The scroll button is a wonderful way to just move past the stories that don’t interest you.

  • John Weeks September 10, 2024 (7:50 am)

    My paddle surfing buddy Jeff saw this and texted it to me. The trick, for you would-be paddle board readers, is to buy one of those folding bleacher seats, for back support, and for seated paddling should the wind come up. The current state of the disunion got me to reading Tocqueville’s 1835 Democracy in America. I was in the middle of a section on “America’s Three Races” when the spirited coast guard crew arrived and told me of the concern for a “distressed paddle boarder.”  Perhaps the person who called me in DID have binoculars and merely saw the look on my face as I was reading about the roots of what still troubles us so horribly today. 

    • John Weeks September 10, 2024 (8:50 pm)

      Two friends tell me I didn’t make it clear that I was the guy. So I add this. I’ve loved all the comments

    • Ann September 17, 2024 (7:10 am)

      Gold

  • tonenotvolume September 10, 2024 (8:42 am)

    An unfortunate result of our “See something, say something” vigilance.

  • Samantha T September 10, 2024 (2:58 pm)

    This is the first time I’ve been interested in paddleboarding    

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